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Bernard A. Casserly

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University of Minnesota

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Bernard Casserly Obituary

Casserly, Bernard A. Age 91, retired editor Of the Catholic Bulletin Died Sept. 18, 2008, of complications of heart disease. He was born August 11, 1917 in Minneapolis, eldest child of Jane (Rice) and Bernard Casserly. He obtained his bachelor of arts degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota in 1939 and worked as a reporter and editor of the New Ulm Daily Journal, Minneapolis Southtowner and St. Paul Dispatch before joining the Merchant Marines in World War II as a public information officer. After the war he was a reporter on the Minneapolis Star. While there from 1947 to 1957, he served as president of the Twin Cities Newspaper Guild and officer of Sigma Delta Chi/Society of Professional Journalists. He was named editor of the Catholic Bulletin (now the Catholic Spirit) and served in that capacity for 25 years, from 1957 to 1982. He and the newspaper received many awards in that period, particularly for their promotion of ecumenism. For seven of those years in the 1970s, he was host of a call-in talk show, "Church Beat" on Channel 2. The Spirit's library was named in his honor in 2002. After his retirement in 1982, he worked as a syndicated columnist for national and international Catholic newspapers. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Dorothy T. Casserly, children, Katie Casserly (Mick Ganley), Martha Casserly (Paul Wendlandt), Lisa Taplin (Brad), Charles Casserly, Molly Goodson (Mike) and John Casserly (Julie) and 12 grandchildren (Colin, Bernard (Brian), Meghan, Molly, Cass, Claire, Liam, Janie, Erin, Johnny, James and Ruby), brother, James T. Casserly and sister, Therese Olson. Visitation Sunday, September 21, 5 to 8 p.m., with 6 p.m. rosary, Washburn-McReavey, Nokomis Park Chapel, 1838 E. Minnehaha Parkway (at Cedar), Minneapolis. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Helena Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Monday, September 22, 3204 East 43rd Street, Minneapolis, with visitation one hour before funeral. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Belle Plaine. Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities. Washburn-McReavy Nokomis Park Chapel 612-721-1651

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Published by Pioneer Press from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Casserly

19 Entries

JULIA (GAMACHE)JAWORSKI

September 24, 2008

DEAR CASSERLYS,
I KNOW WHAT GREAT FRIENDS ALL OF OUR PARENTS WERE. SO SORRY TO HEAR OF BERNIE'S PASSING. HE DID A BEAUTIFUL EULOGY AT MY MOTHER'S FUNERAL. MUCH LOVE

Philip Harr

September 23, 2008

Bernie was a Knight of Columbus in our Hennepin Mpls Council 435 since 1988. We will remember him in our Memorial Mass in November, 2009. His name will be engraved on the back of a processional cross along with all of our members who pass between Jul, 2008 and Jun 2009, which will be presented to the Church of Sacred Heart (Sacrado Corozon) in Minneapolis. Bernie will be remembered at all of the Masses where the processional cross is present.

Gail Freedman

September 23, 2008

To Kate & Family:

I am so sorry for this loss of your dear family member. I wish for you an easy bereavement and peace in the days ahead. I'm sure he was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed.

All the best.

Shannon Paumen

September 22, 2008

Marty~
Our condolences go out to you and your family. Were thinking of you, and praying for your father. May the peace of our Lord be with you all in this time of mourning.
Chris and Shannon

Daniel Palmer

September 22, 2008

Rest in peace good man!

Gary Berg

September 21, 2008

Bernie, we will miss your perpetual smile and optimism! Your commitment to your family, faith and friends has been an inspiration for all of us privileged to know you for part of the 91 years you spent with us. The world is a better place for your having been here.
with warmest regards,
Gary & Eve Berg
Kristine, Courtney, Kelly, & Max

Ron

September 21, 2008

Lisa -
I was saddened to hear of your loss of your dad, but reminded of the good times you or Brad mentioned your family having, especially around the holidays. I remember being welcomed when your family got together for your wedding rehearsal, and knowing that a strong family such as yours can help weather these types of events in our lives.
I pray that the joy your dad brought your family, the many memories he left in his wake, will sustain you in the days ahead...
Look to the rainbows - they are God's way of reminding us that our loved ones watch over us.
- Ron, Kara, Nick & Cory
- Lisa & Tessa too!

DICK and HELEN MURPHY

September 21, 2008

WE WERE FORTUNITE TO HAVE LIVED AT BERNIE'S TIME OF JOURNALISTIC GEMS. IT MADE BEING CATHOLIC AND IRISH DOUBLY BLEST.HE MADE HIS MARK !

Katie Viazcan

September 21, 2008

Charlie~
We learned after mass this morning that your father had passed. His presence will be missed. Your kindness to everyone you encounter is a testament to your father's devotion to the church.

You have our family's thoughts and prayers,
Katie and Edgar Viazcan

Joan (Casserly) McFarland

September 21, 2008

Dear Uncle Bernie,
I will miss your voice, your smile and that twinkle in your eye. I always felt lucky to have you as my Godfather. Your light shined so bright to me. I hope you will continue to guide me. Please keep an eye out for my dad! My prayers to Aunt Dottie and kin.

Fr. Paul La Fontaine

September 20, 2008

Sorry to miss the funeral, but am out of town. Be assured of my sympathy and prayers. I will offer Mass for Bernie.

John Hylle

September 19, 2008

Bernie, It will just not be the same up at the lake without you. Watching you windsurf, play volleyball, or sit at the top of the steps and ask us about the fishing. I enjoyed talking to you about current events, religion, and whatever else came up. You always had a positive attitude and acted like you were 30 years younger. I know your faith is very strong and are happy but you will be missed greatly by your wonderful family and all of the people who saw you the last full week of July.

Meghan Ganley

September 19, 2008

Dear Grandpa,
I will miss you sooooo much. I love you sooooo much. You were the best Grandpa that anyone could ask for. I will miss your funny jokes and awesome stories. You will always be in my heart forever and always. I LOVE YOU GRANDPA. I'm sad that your not going to be here anymore . I'm going to miss talking to you. love Meghan Ganley

Dana Townsend

September 19, 2008

Dear Bernie, With a broken heart, I pray for strength and comfort for your family, friends and all of the people you have touched in your life's fantastic journey. I will miss your stories, I will miss your smile, I will miss you. Save a place for me in heaven. Love, Dana

Amy Townsend

September 19, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with all the Casserlys in this very sad time. Bernie touched so many lives with his interesting stories and colorful personality. After any conversation with him I would always walk away learning something new. I have so many wonderful memories of Bernie since a child that I will cherish. At family gatherings Bernie could light of the room with his energy, smile and enthusiasm for life.
He will truly be missed.

Steve Berg

September 19, 2008

Bernie- I have many fond memories of you & your family throughout the years as we gathered for the holidays. I will always remember how inspiring you were as you spent time with my father (Gordy Berg) when he was dying from cancer. Your positive outlook on life was contagious & will be greatly missed!
Until we meet again someday in Gods presence, farewell...

Steve Berg

Laurie Murphy

September 19, 2008

My prayers are with you all on this very sad day. Helen Murphy said it best when she said he gave us "wonderful words of faith"

Richard Hogan PGK 4145

September 19, 2008

Thoughts and prayers are with the Casserly family during this time of loss. Many an article were wrote for the Catholic Bulletin, Catholic Spirit, and the Knights of Columbus Columbian. Thank you for sharing your words of thought transposed to paper.

JIM DOUGLAS

September 19, 2008

Goodbye Bernie...it was a pleasure knowing and working with you.

May God take you in his arms and give you peace and enjoyment forever.

Former employee of the Archdiocese

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